Row, Row, Row the Boats: A Fun Song About George Washington Crossing the Delaware

Row, Row, Row the Boats: A Fun Song About George Washington Crossing the Delaware

Written by: Michael Dahl

Illustrated by: Sandra D’Antonio

Picture Window Books, 2004

24 pages

Picture Book: Non-fiction

I chose this book because George Washington is one of my favorite historical figures. I like this book because it was written to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” so that children could sing along. The book is full of facts about Washington and his men on the night they bravely fought the Battle of Trenton. Conditions were not ideal that night, but Washington and his two thousand men were able to surprise their enemy and defeat them at Trenton. Children will be able to sing along to one of the most famous battles of the Revolutionary War. 

Sandra D’ Antonio illustrated this book. All of the illustrations in this book were done digitally. George Washington and his men look more like cartoons than historical figures, but the illustrations are extremely child friendly. Sandra depicts the terrible conditions that night, by drawing lots of snow, ice, and sleet. She uses bright, vivid colors, especially using reds, blues, and whites (America!). The characters come to life in this song about the Battle of Trenton.

This book is appropriate for ages 5 and up. I would use this book in a first grade classroom. Reading this book to my first graders would be a great way to introduce a history lesson on George Washington. I would also read this book to my first graders before a science lesson on snow, sleet, or ice. We would talk about the effects that snow, ice, and sleet have on humans and our surroundings. I might also read this book for a character education lesson on bravery. We would discuss the bravery of George Washington and his men that night and how we should be brave too.